Inaccessible boot device

[TreasureX10]

Hello HP Support Team,

My HP Laptop 15s-eq2xxx was working fine, then it switched off. On power-on I got INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error. I tried startup repair, then it went straight to BitLocker recovery.

Details:
1. Model: HP Laptop 15s-eq2xxx
2. SSD: WD SN740 256GB NVMe
3. Problem: diskpart shows Disk 0 Online Unknown GB + Lock Status: Locked. BIOS shows No hard drive installed.
4. BIOS Security: Administrator Password = Set, but DriveLock Passwords / NVMe DriveLock menu does NOT appear after reboot.
5. I have 48-digit BitLocker key, but manage-bde cannot see drive.

Request: Please advise how to unlock/disable DriveLock on WD SN740 for this model. If DriveLock is hidden, provide BIOS update/steps, HP master unlock, or confirm if I must remove SSD + use WD Dashboard Sanitize.

I have proof of ownership. I am not asking to bypass security, I just need access to my own device.

Thank you,

[Deep_World]

Hi  @TreasureX10,
 
Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

Thank you  for sharing the full details of your situation. I completely understand how it is to be locked out of your own laptop, especially after already trying recovery steps. 

For the DriveLock limitations HP cannot generate a master unlock code for DriveLock. The password is stored directly on the SSD’s controller hardware, and without the original password it cannot be accessed or reset. This is part of the security design to protect data.

Since your system is not detecting the SSD, BitLocker cannot mount the drive even with the recovery key. This is why manage-bde shows no drive available.

And updating to the latest BIOS may restore NVMe drive detection. If the BIOS still shows “No hard drive installed,” the SSD is likely inaccessible at the firmware level.

I hope this helps. 

[TreasureX10]

Hi, deep

Thank you for confirming this and for explaining how DriveLock works at the hardware level. I understand now why HP can’t generate a master code and why BitLocker can’t mount the drive without detection.

I’ve already updated to the latest BIOS and BIOS still shows “No hard drive installed”, so the SSD is inaccessible at firmware level like you said.

To confirm before I proceed: Is using the WD Dashboard “Sanitize Drive / PSID Revert” the official recommended method by HP to make this WD SN740 usable again? I know this will permanently erase all data including BitLocker, and I’m okay with that since I just need the SSD working for a clean Windows install.

I’ll mark this as the solution once you confirm. Thanks again for your help.

[Deep_World · Accepted solution]

Hi @TreasureX10 

I  understand how  it must be to see your SSD remain undetected even after updating the BIOS. You’ve done the right troubleshooting steps so far, and I appreciate your patience in working through this.

If the WD SN740 is a third‑party drive (not originally supplied with your HP system), HP service centers may not be able to reset  it. In that case, you would need to reach out directly to a trusted third‑party service center or the point of purchase where the SSD was obtained. They can confirm whether a PSID Revert / Sanitize Drive through WD Dashboard is appropriate and safely carry it out for you.

If the drive was supplied as part of your HP system, then contacting an authorized HP service center is the recommended path

To ensure your device receives the appropriate care, we recommend visiting an authorized HP service center. Our certified technicians can provide a thorough diagnosis and offer the best solutions to address the issue.​

You can locate the nearest HP service center using our Service Center Locator:​

🔗 HP Service Center Locator

If you need further assistance or have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.​

Regards,

Deep_World

[TreasureX10]

Hi Deep_World,

Thank you for clarifying. The WD SN740 came installed with the HP from UCT/factory, so it’s an HP-supplied drive.

I’ll take the laptop to an authorized HP service center for PSID Revert / Sanitize as recommended. I understand all data including BitLocker will be permanently erased, and I’m okay with that.

Appreciate your help confirming this. I’ll mark this as the solution.